How to Choose Your Next Bong

Whether you’re a first-time purchaser or an experienced smoker, choosing the right bong can be difficult. You want to choose something that fits your needs, but isn’t overly expensive. There are a ton of different kinds of bongs, so which is optimal for you? Here are some things to consider when buying your next bong.

Size

Bongs come in all different shapes and sizes. That being said, bigger isn’t always better. If this is your first bong, consider your lung capacity — you don’t want to be dying every time you take a hit. If you’re thinking about a bong that’s too tall for you to properly clear, you’re going to be dissatisfied.

In order to maximize the potential of your bong, pick one that fits your lung capacity. You should be able to fill the chamber with smoke and clear it. Pay attention to how wide the mouthpiece and chamber are, as these have big impacts on your hit.

Material

Most bongs are either ceramic or glass. Ceramic bongs tend to be smaller and heavier but offer a purer hit. Ceramic bongs come in a variety of shapes and designs, and are ideal for display or showing off to your friends. Generally, ceramic bongs are less expensive and more durable than glass. The main disadvantage to ceramic bongs is that the user is unable to see the water inside them and how dirty it is.

Glass is the standard material for most bongs. Clear glass bongs are easier to break, but the easiest to clean. For a more refreshing hit, find a glass bong with an ice catcher. If you’re buying a glass bong, pay attention to thickness, as it decides how durable your bong will be. Thinner glass bongs start around 2-3 mm, while average thickness is around 3-5 mm. The thickest glass you’ll find will be in the 5-7 mm range. If you’re just starting out, look for something around the average thickness.

Use and cleaning

Consider whether you’ll be using your new bong once a week or multiple times a day, and how it will be used. Will you use it for a personal piece, or pass it around when you have friends over? How often will you clean it?

If you plan to pass the bong around, opt for a smaller piece. Bigger bongs are easier to break, so if you have friends that don’t know how to properly hold a bong, there’s a chance it’ll be broken when it’s getting passed around. If your bong isn’t solely for personal use, consider simpler options to make it easier for your friends to smoke.

On the other hand, if you plan on smoking solo and you’re confident that you can keep it safe, you could try a bigger, more technical bong. Technical bongs are more expensive but offer cleaner hits and optimal THC absorption. More technical pieces come with glass attachments, ash catchers, and more. If this is your first bong, opt for something more simple and user-friendly.

Every bong gets filled with tar and smoke residue after continued use. For the easiest cleaning, choose a simple bong with no percolators. If you’re leaning toward a bong with a percolator, make sure to get an ash catcher.

There are a multitude of factors to consider when buying a new bong. All in all, buying a new bong is a matter of personal preference. That being said, bongs aren’t for everyone — pipes or vaporizers, like the Sutra mini, may be best for you if you want something more discrete. As you become more experienced, you’ll learn the ins and outs of smoking and become well-versed in all your available options.